Review: Venom Energy Black Mamba

As I stood in the energy drink section of my local grocer, preparing for another late night of studying Torts, Contracts, Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure, I came to the realization that I was in need of a new energy drink experience. I had downed every version of Red Bull and Monster on the shelves, so it was time to look elsewhere. That’s when I saw it; there before me was an energy drink bottled under the authority of Dr Pepper. Could this be? I had to try it. So, I grabbed the bottle of Venom Energy Black Mamba and proceeded to the checkout.

I was excited the whole way back to the law library. Could I have found an energy drink that tastes like my favorite soda? I set the aluminum can down in front of me. The packaging is what you’d expect from an energy drink. Dark red hues and blacks make the fangs in the white “Venom” logo pop off the can. Coupled with the angry serpentine eye, the label design looks to intimidate the drinker. The can itself is a very thick aluminum, more akin to some industrial production rather than a disposable beverage container. I really liked the thick heavy feel of the aluminum.

I twisted the cap off with anticipation and listened for that typical carbonated hiss. Here it was. I inhaled deeply and my nose was shocked. Not Dr Peppery at all… but rather, Venom Black Mamba hit my nostrils with a very familiar berry and taurine smell. If I didn’t know any better I could have sworn I was inhaling the all too familiar scent of a low-carb Monster. Now I had to taste it.

Wow! My nose was wrong. Tiny bubbles splashed against my tongue. The carbonation in Venom’s Black Mamba is much smaller and more dense than a typical energy drink. Immediately the back of my mouth and jaw were hit with an intense sour splash. The taste of the drink is very sweet berry, without the chemical taste of some energy drinks. The drink itself was much thicker than I expected and was reminiscent of a typical cola.

After the initial splash of tiny bubbles and the sweet berry taste, the aftertaste was again devoid of the typical energy drink leftovers. While there was some berry and cherry flavor left over, the general experience was not like that of your average energy-filled beverage. If you’re a fan of berry and cherry and are looking for an atypical flavored energy drink, Venom Energy’s Black Mamba is a great break from the ordinary.